Hi everyone,
My name is Robbie Brown, and the story of Monko Arts Society is deeply intertwined with my own. Let me share my journey with you.
Music has been a central part of my life from a very young age. Before I turned eight, I vividly remember watching my dad play bass at our church. He bought me a copy of Hal Leonard’s “Electric Bass” by Dan Dean, which remains an excellent book. I tried learning on his old Mosrite of California bass guitar.
I would often experiment on our upright piano, figuring out melodies—a valuable lesson I still impart to my students: learn as many melodies as you can on your instrument.
I used to pretend playing along with the radio using a tennis racket until a cousin taught me a G, C, and D7 chord on a guitar. A few years later, I discovered the C9 chord, which quickly became my favorite. Though I didn’t always know what to do with it, I loved its sound.
Throughout middle and high school, I skipped the typical garage band phase, preferring to play along with the radio, changing stations every thirty minutes. This led to another lesson I teach: appreciate all types and sounds of music. I often tell my students, “You never know.” It means never turning down a musical challenge. At fourteen, I gave up on trombone, not realizing I’d be interested in jazz at nineteen and orchestration at forty-six.
I was self-taught until twenty when a friend recommended I take lessons from local Raleigh, NC guitar legend John Wheliss. His teachings, which I consider lessons in jazz composition, are still with me today. Thanks to him, I earned a scholarship to Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, in 1996.
In 1997, I had an opportunity to intern at a Nashville studio but chose instead to work at a local music store, where I began teaching lessons and rediscovered bluegrass music.
Church has been my greatest teacher. For nearly thirty years, I played every style of music in church, learning invaluable lessons. Respecting those around me and playing what the song called for allowed me to perform in various settings, from small groups to theme parks.
Some of my greatest musical influences include:
- Listening to blues and 50s songs with my dad.
- Borrowing recordings from Beethoven, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, and Duke Ellington from my dad’s cousin.
- Elementary school field trips to symphony performances.
- Riding around with my older siblings, absorbing the sounds of the radio.
- The experiences of church.
- Music from Andy Griffith Show reruns.
- Songs from Sanford and Son reruns.
- My musical friends growing up.
- My teachers, as I still take lessons today.
This brings us to the present.
In 2012, I founded Monko Arts Society, deciding to offer free music lessons to remove the financial barrier between teachers, students, and parents. I didn’t want money to hinder learning or force parents to choose.
Using method books makes it easier to set lessons and homework. Students don’t need to remember every word I say because it’s in the lesson. I see my role as guiding students through their musical journey, ensuring they progress from the beginning to the end of the book, becoming better musicians in the process.
Creative writing lessons are also on the table for students. Fictional books have significantly influenced me, and I’m currently finishing a novel.
Monko Arts Society has always been a labor of love, something I’ve done when my schedule allowed. Now, I’m looking to teach more and give other teachers opportunities to shine. With more sponsors, we can offer more to students.
Teaching has evolved. With social channels and podcasts, learning for free is easier than ever. If you have a smartphone and an internet connection, the opportunities to learn any subject are limitless. But I also believe that music is a community event, and it's always great to connect with someone along your journey.
Final thoughts: music is a challenge, and you always need a new one. Four years ago, I started drum and double bass lessons. I’ve never been more challenged, and I love every second of it.
Blessings,
Robbie